Amendola not expected to play, still gives Rams a “spark”

Even though injured wideout Danny Amendola was practicing on a limited basis, he’s still not expected to play this week against the Patriots.

But that doesn’t mean he’s not helping the Rams.

“Any time you get Danny out there, even if he’s just doing a little bit [is good,” Rams quarterback Sam Bradford said, via Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “And I think today, just the guys seeing him out there, knowing that he’s close to coming back, he gave everyone a little bit of a spark.”

Amendola’s three weeks out from his collarbone dislocating, and even the most optimistic prognosis had him four weeks from recovery.

But with a bye week on the back side of the Rams’ European vacation, it’s looking more and more likely he’ll be back for the Nov. 11 game against the 49ers.

Amendola caught passes in individual drills and fielded some punts, but was held back from a full load.

“If it were up to Danny, he would’ve taken every rep today,” Bradford said. “That’s just how he is. Even last year, after he tore his triceps, he wanted to play. . . . He never wants to miss a play. You really respect him for that.

“I think I’m past that [asking him to slow down] because I realize it really doesn’t do much good with Danny. Falling on deaf ears.”

If he’s out there in two weeks, it’s a huge boost for the Rams, who need him far more on the field than they do as an inspiration.